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Knee OsteoarthritisNCT07134283

Effect of Preoperative Cold Therapy on Early Postoperative Outcomes in Total Knee Arthroplasty

A study testing Preoperative and Postoperative Cold Therapy with Gel Cold Pack and Postoperative Cold Therapy with Gel Cold Pack in people with Knee Osteoarthritis and Total Knee Arthroplasty, run by Ankara City Hospital Bilkent at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of preoperative cold therapy on early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 55 years and older
What is being tested?
Preoperative and Postoperative Cold Therapy with Gel Cold Pack and Postoperative Cold Therapy with Gel Cold Pack
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
208 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
10 Jun 2024to 1 Aug 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 55 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age ≥ 55 years
  • Diagnosed with advanced stage primary osteoarthritis of the knee
  • Scheduled for unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty
  • Provided written informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Secondary osteoarthritis (e.g., post-traumatic, inflammatory arthritis)
  • History of prior surgery on the affected knee
  • Known hypersensitivity or intolerance to cold
  • Comorbidities contraindicating cold therapy (e.g., diabetes mellitus, cold urticaria, peripheral vascular disease)
  • Bleeding diathesis or on anticoagulant therapy
  • History of severe hypertension or cardiovascular disease
Show all 9Show fewer
  • Active neurological or psychiatric disorder
  • Allergy to medications used in the study protocol
  • Refusal to participate in the study

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Ankara Bilkent City Hospital

    Ankara, 06800

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: The Effect of Preoperatively Initiated Cold Application on Postoperative Bleeding, Pain, and Functional Status in Total Knee Arthroplasty

This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of preoperative cold therapy on early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A total of 208 patients were randomized into two groups: one receiving conventional cold therapy preoperatively and postoperatively, and the other receiving only routine postoperative cold therapy. Primary outcomes included postoperative pain (VAS), edema (thigh circumference), hemoglobin levels, drainage volume, opioid usage, Knee Society Scores (KSS), and presence of ecchymosis. The study demonstrated that initiating cold therapy before surgery significantly reduced postoperative drainage and opioid requirement, and delayed early edema progression. These findings suggest that the timing of cold therapy may influence recovery, highlighting a potentially beneficial approach to perioperative care in TKA.

Read the detailed description

This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the early postoperative effects of initiating cold therapy in the preoperative period in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While cold therapy is routinely applied in the postoperative period to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, limited evidence exists regarding the impact of starting cold therapy before surgery. In this study, a total of 208 patients diagnosed with advanced degenerative knee osteoarthritis and scheduled for unilateral primary cemented TKA were randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving conventional gel-based cold therapy both preoperatively and postoperatively (intervention group), and one receiving only standard postoperative cold therapy (control group).

Cold therapy was applied using gel packs at -17°C for 20 minutes with 40-minute intervals. The intervention group received three preoperative sessions prior to surgery and continued postoperatively for 48 hours. The control group received only the postoperative protocol.

The primary outcomes were postoperative pain (measured using Visual Analog Scale - VAS), edema (thigh circumference), hemoglobin levels, drainage output at 24 hours, and opioid consumption during the first 48 hours. Secondary outcomes included Knee Society Scores (KSS), hospital stay duration, and presence of ecchymosis.

The results demonstrated that preoperative initiation of cold therapy significantly reduced postoperative drainage volume and opioid consumption, and showed a trend toward slower edema progression and lower pain scores in the early postoperative period. This study proposes a novel approach in perioperative management by emphasizing the importance of cold therapy timing, and provides evidence that beginning therapy preoperatively may enhance recovery outcomes after TKA.

Being tested
Preoperative and Postoperative Cold Therapy with Gel Cold Pack, Postoperative Cold Therapy with Gel Cold Pack
Keywords
Total Knee Arthroplasty, Preoperative Cold Therapy, Cryotherapy, Postoperative Pain, Opioid Consumption, Knee Surgery, Drainage Output
Medical subject headings
Osteoarthritis, Knee, Pain, Postoperative

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Preoperative and Postoperative Cold Therapy with Gel Cold PackProcedure or surgery

    Also called Traditional CryotherapY, Cold Application, Conventional Gel Pack

    Cold therapy was applied using a conventional gel cold pack , pre-cooled at -17°C for at least 2 hours. In the intervention group, cold application was performed three times before surgery (20 minutes per session with 40-minute intervals), and continued postoperatively for 24 hours with the same frequency. This protocol aimed to reduce pain, swelling, bleeding, and improve functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty.

  • Postoperative Cold Therapy with Gel Cold PackProcedure or surgery

    Also called Traditional Cryotherapy, Cold Application, Conventional Gel Pack

    Cold therapy applied only in the postoperative period, for 24 hours, using the same method as the intervention group (20-minute applications with 40-minute breaks.

Study groups in NCT07134283
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Preoperative and Postoperative Cold TherapyExperimentalPatients in this group received conventional cold therapy (gel pack at -17°C) both before and after surgery. Three sessions were applied preoperatively (20 minutes with 40-minute intervals), and postoperative therapy was performed identically to the control group (20 minutes on / 40 minutes off for 24 hours).
Receives: Procedure: Preoperative and Postoperative Cold Therapy with Gel Cold Pack
Postoperative Cold Therapy OnlyActive comparatorPatients in this group received conventional cold therapy (gel pack at -17°C) after surgery only. Cold packs were applied to the knee region for 20 minutes with 40-minute intervals over a 24-hour postoperative period.
Receives: Procedure: Postoperative Cold Therapy with Gel Cold Pack

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Scores for Pain

    Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at rest at four time points: Preoperative, 8 Hours Postoperative, 24 Hours Postoperative, 48 Hours Postoperative

    Scale Range: 0 (no pain) - 10 (worst imaginable pain)

    Directionality: Higher scores indicate worse pain

    Measured: Preoperative, 8 Hours Postoperative, 24 Hours Postoperative, 48 Hours Postoperative

  2. Postoperative Drainage Volume

    Total amount of fluid collected in the Hemovac drainage system during the first 24 hours after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This measure is used as an indicator of postoperative bleeding and local inflammation, comparing the effect of preoperative cold therapy.

    Measured: First 24 hours after surgery

  3. Total Opioid Consumption in the First 48 Hours

    Total opioid usage calculated as oral morphine equivalent in the first 48 hours after TKA. This includes all administered analgesics converted into oral morphine equivalent doses to evaluate pain control efficacy between study groups.

    Measured: First 48 hours after surgery

  4. Hemoglobin Level Change

    Hemoglobin levels were recorded at four time points to evaluate perioperative blood loss: Preoperative, 8 Hours Postoperative, 24 Hours Postoperative, 48 Hours Postoperative

    Measured: Preoperative, 8 Hours Postoperative, 24 Hours Postoperative, 48 Hours Postoperative

  5. Knee Society Score (KSS)

    Functional outcomes were measured using the KSS scale, which includes pain, range of motion, and stability. Scores were compared preoperatively and at 48 hours postoperatively.

    Each component is scored from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better outcomes.

    Measured: Preoperative and 48 Hours Postoperative

  6. Thigh Circumference Measurement

    Thigh circumference was measured 1 cm proximal to the superior patella border with the knee in full extension, to assess postoperative swelling. Measurements were taken preoperatively, 24 hours postoperatively, and 48 hours postoperatively.

    Measured: Preoperative, 24 Hours Postoperative, 48 Hours Postoperative

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Presence of Ecchymosis

    Ecchymosis was visually evaluated and recorded at 24 hours postoperatively and 48 hours postoperatively in both groups.

    Measured: 24 Hours Postoperative and 48 Hours Postoperative

  2. Need for Blood Transfusion

    The number of patients who required postoperative blood transfusion was recorded and compared between the groups. The transfusion threshold was hemoglobin <8 g/dL in hemodynamically stable patients. The outcome will be assessed throughout the hospitalization period after surgery.

    Measured: From Surgery Until Hospital Discharge(2 to 7 Days Postoperative)

  3. Length of Hospital Stay

    The duration of hospitalization in days was recorded for each patient, from the day of surgery until discharge.

    Measured: Through Hospital Discharge (Estimated 2 to 7 Days Postoperative)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted21 Aug 2025
  2. Study start10 Jun 2024
  3. Primary completion30 Jul 2025
  4. Study completion1 Aug 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants were randomized 1:1 into two parallel groups to receive either preoperative and postoperative cold therapy or only postoperative cold therapy.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Care provider
Enrolment
208 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07134283
Sponsor's protocol ID
TABED 1-24-331
Status last verified
Aug 2025
First submitted
8 Aug 2025
Last updated
21 Aug 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Pieri L, Leggieri F, Bartoli D, Ponti M, Caparrini C, Baldini A. Preoperative knee joint hypothermia reduces inflammation and recovery time and increases range of motion after total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2025 Dec;33(12):4312-4323. doi: 10.1002/ksa.12756. Epub 2025 Jul 2.

    PubMed 40601965
  • Chareancholvanich K, Keesukpunt W, Pornrattanamaneewong C, Narkbunnam R, Jarusriwanna A. Comparison of three cryotherapy techniques for early post-TKA pain control in terms of efficacy and patient satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial. Arthroplasty. 2025 Jan 8;7(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s42836-024-00287-7.

    PubMed 39773549
  • Thienpont E. Does advanced cryotherapy reduce pain and narcotic consumption after knee arthroplasty? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2014 Nov;472(11):3417-23. doi: 10.1007/s11999-014-3810-8. Epub 2014 Jul 25.

    PubMed 25059851
  • Hawker G, Wright J, Coyte P, Paul J, Dittus R, Croxford R, Katz B, Bombardier C, Heck D, Freund D. Health-related quality of life after knee replacement. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1998 Feb;80(2):163-73. doi: 10.2106/00004623-199802000-00003.

    PubMed 9486722

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Preoperative and Postoperative Cold Therapy with Gel Cold Pack and Postoperative Cold Therapy with Gel Cold Pack in people with Knee Osteoarthritis and Total Knee Arthroplasty, run by Ankara City Hospital Bilkent at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 9 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Aug 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Scores for Pain (time frame: Preoperative, 8 Hours Postoperative, 24 Hours Postoperative, 48 Hours Postoperative). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07134283, which also lists 4 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Aug 2025.

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